LEED AP for Neighborhood Development Introduced

Washington, D.C.–The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) has launched a new LEED professional credential: the LEED Accredited Professional (AP) for Neighborhood Development.

The LEED AP for Neighborhood Development (LEED AP ND) credential designates the specialized knowledge and experience of professionals participating in the planning and development of environmentally responsible communities. The LEED AP ND exam measures knowledge of the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System, introduced by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in April, and the ability to facilitate the LEED project certification process.

The LEED AP for Neighborhood Development program has been two years in the making, says Beth Holst, vice president of credentialing for the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The GBCI, between its ‘beta,’ or trial exam, given earlier this year, and another exam, given on June 11, now has 83 LEED AP NDs globally.

“Obtaining the designation will be essential for urban planners,” Holst says, noting that she expects those involved in municipal building code regulation, consultants, architects and engineers to also take the exam.

Also, the Department of Housing and Urban Development  (HUD) is going to use LEED ND as one of the guidelines to decide which projects may receive funding, she says, noting that “this [the designation] will lead to healthier buildings and cities for our citizens.”